2008 Woodie Awards
Local bike trails offer constructive recreation
By Matt Pavelek
Rocket Copy Editor
Issue date: 2/17/06 Section: Life
It isn't uncommon to hear college students here at Slippery Rock University complaining that they have nothing to do with their free time. This isn't because of a lack of recreational opportunities; it's simply a lack of effort on the part of those students.
A constructive recreational activity for students is cycling. Jeffrey Lynn of the Slippery Rock University Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences department said cycling is a very healthy form of recreation.
"Any kind of physical activity is beneficial," Lynn said. "I would definitely recommend cycling as a positive, constructive and healthy way for students to spend their free time. If people are into cycling then I say go for it."
Although students may not be aware of it, there are free public bicycle trails just a scant 14 miles away from Slippery Rock at Moraine State Park. The trails are open to the public and are totally free of charge. The main trail is seven miles long, and gently meanders through the trees along the north shore of Lake Arthur.
The trail is relatively flat, but there are a few slight undulations throughout. The fact that the trail is almost completely forested offers a very scenic ride, regardless of the season. The trees offer solace and shade from the sunlight in the summer and a dazzling array of colors in the fall as the leaves change. The bare branches in the winter months allow for a spectacular view across the frozen lake on a warmer winter day.
Rick Carson, chief ranger/supervisor at Moraine State Park, said the trails see large numbers of visitors year round.
"The trails are free to all and open any time the park is open," Carson said. "During busy times of the year we usually see nearly a thousand riders per weekend."
Although 1,000 people may seem like a lot, Carson said the trails are never crowded.
"The paved trail is seven miles long, so there could be a large number of riders on the trail at the same time, and they may never even see one another. Not to mention that riders come in and go all throughout the day," Carson said.
A constructive recreational activity for students is cycling. Jeffrey Lynn of the Slippery Rock University Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences department said cycling is a very healthy form of recreation.
"Any kind of physical activity is beneficial," Lynn said. "I would definitely recommend cycling as a positive, constructive and healthy way for students to spend their free time. If people are into cycling then I say go for it."
Although students may not be aware of it, there are free public bicycle trails just a scant 14 miles away from Slippery Rock at Moraine State Park. The trails are open to the public and are totally free of charge. The main trail is seven miles long, and gently meanders through the trees along the north shore of Lake Arthur.
The trail is relatively flat, but there are a few slight undulations throughout. The fact that the trail is almost completely forested offers a very scenic ride, regardless of the season. The trees offer solace and shade from the sunlight in the summer and a dazzling array of colors in the fall as the leaves change. The bare branches in the winter months allow for a spectacular view across the frozen lake on a warmer winter day.
Rick Carson, chief ranger/supervisor at Moraine State Park, said the trails see large numbers of visitors year round.
"The trails are free to all and open any time the park is open," Carson said. "During busy times of the year we usually see nearly a thousand riders per weekend."
Although 1,000 people may seem like a lot, Carson said the trails are never crowded.
"The paved trail is seven miles long, so there could be a large number of riders on the trail at the same time, and they may never even see one another. Not to mention that riders come in and go all throughout the day," Carson said.
